Anderson signs with Blue Jays; lefty to Triple-A

TORONTO -- The Blue Jays officially signed Brett Anderson to a Minor League contract on Tuesday afternoon and the veteran lefty is set to report to Triple-A Buffalo later this week.

Anderson agreed to terms with Toronto a couple of days ago but had to pass a physical before the deal became official. Blue Jays manager John Gibbons confirmed on Tuesday that Anderson will join the Bisons' starting rotation in Buffalo.

TORONTO -- The Blue Jays officially signed Brett Anderson to a Minor League contract on Tuesday afternoon and the veteran lefty is set to report to Triple-A Buffalo later this week.

Anderson agreed to terms with Toronto a couple of days ago but had to pass a physical before the deal became official. Blue Jays manager John Gibbons confirmed on Tuesday that Anderson will join the Bisons' starting rotation in Buffalo.

The 29-year-old Anderson made six starts for the Cubs this season but struggled with an 8.18 ERA over 22 innings. He was placed on the 60-day disabled list with a back injury and designated for assignment in late July before being released on Aug. 1.

"We'll see where he's at," Gibbons said. "We've always liked him here, and that goes back a few years. He had always been a good pitcher but he couldn't stay healthy. We signed him, we'll send him to Buffalo ... and see how he looks."

The Blue Jays will essentially get a free look at the nine-year veteran. The Cubs owe him the remainder of a $3.5 million contract through the end of 2017 and Toronto would be on the hook for just the league minimum. Anderson will become a free agent during the offseason.

Toronto used this signing to increase its depth in the rotation. Marcus Stroman, J.A. Happ and Marco Estrada are the lone proven starters on the roster and the club is at least temporarily using Nick Tepesch and rookie Chris Rowley to fill out the remainder of the staff. Joe Biagini is expected to rejoin the Blue Jays later this month in a starting role after he gets properly stretched out in the Minors, but that would still leave one spot up for grabs.

The status of right-hander Aaron Sanchez continues to remain a question mark. Sanchez has been limited to eight starts because of a blister on his right middle finger and Gibbons recently began floating the idea that when Sanchez returns, it might be out of the bullpen. That would seem to indicate the Blue Jays are reluctant to use Sanchez as a starter again this year.

Anderson could join the big league roster if Tepesch or Rowley falter in their auditions. Tepesch is coming off a strong six-inning performance on Monday against the Rays. Rowley is just one start into his big league career.

Worth mentioning

The Blue Jays also announced on Tuesday that utility man Chris Coghlan was given his unconditional release. Coghlan appeared in 36 games for Toronto earlier this season but had not played since June 7 because of a wrist injury.